January 6, 2026: The closure of Elphinstone Bridge in September last year has set off a ripple effect across Dadar and neighbouring areas, with Shivaji Park emerging as one of the worst-hit zones. What was projected as a temporary disruption has evolved into a daily struggle for residents, commuters, pedestrians and even emergency vehicles, highlighting gaps in traffic planning and coordination among civic agencies.
Following the bridge shutdown, Tilak Bridge was designated as the primary east–west alternative. However, its ability to absorb diverted traffic has been severely undermined by parallel road repairs, Mumbai Road Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) works and extensive utility digging. With carriageways narrowed and footpaths excavated on both sides, traffic movement slows to a crawl, particularly during peak hours.
Residents say conditions have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, with congestion stretching for hours. “What used to be a 10-minute drive now takes nearly 45 minutes in the evening peak hours. There is constant honking, pollution and chaos,” said Jyotsna Sawant, a senior citizen living in the area.
The junction near the Meenatai Thackeray statue at the Shivaji Park entrance has become a major bottleneck, with traffic from Sena Bhavan increasing significantly since work began on Tilak Bridge. Highlighting safety concerns, especially for schoolchildren, Vaibhav Rege, secretary of the Shivaji Park ALM, said, “The road from Sena Bhavan to this entrance remains choked round the clock. Balmohan School is located right here, and the situation becomes dangerous when students enter and exit in the evening.” He also pointed to short signal cycles, adding, “The Sena Bhavan signal stays green for barely eight to ten seconds, which is insufficient even for five vehicles to pass.”
Residents have criticised the logic behind diversion planning. “What is the point of announcing diversions if those roads are also dug up? … This is a classic case of poor planning,” said Deepa Prabhale, another resident.
Further compounding the problem, locals allege that BMC’s decision to allow parking along one side of Shivaji Park Road has reduced available road space. Rege noted, “There is a large BMC pay-and-park facility at Kohinoor Square… Instead of directing motorists there, the authorities have allowed parking on an already congested road.”
Traffic police acknowledge the strain. “Tilak Bridge was identified as an alternative route on the assumption that it would remain fully operational. Ongoing civil works have reduced its capacity, making traffic regulation extremely challenging,” said traffic constable Shankar Patil, adding that additional personnel have been deployed during peak hours.
